Greg Abbott thanks Joe Biden

WEST LAKE HILLS — Republicans are working overtime to tie Sen. Wendy Davis, the Democrat running for governor, to the Obama administration in the most unflattering way in hopes Texans see her as too liberal to lead them.
But Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott, who’s expected to face her in the general election next year in the race to succeed Gov. Rick Perry, took the high road in a statement on Vice President Joe Biden’s visit Wednesday to the National Domestic Violence Hotline in this Austin suburb.

Abbott also took the opportunity to put forward his own record, which he touts in describing himself as a champion of women’s issues, a description with which Democrats vehemently disagree.

Here’s Abbott’s statement:

“I would like to thank Vice President Joe Biden for remembering Texas women during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month today in Austin. As the State’s chief law enforcement official, I’m consistently reminded of the hardships that afflict millions of domestic violence victims, and I’m touched by their bravery and strength.

“During my time as Attorney General, more than $50 million has been paid directly to domestic violence and sexual assault victims to relocate. The Office of the Attorney General has also trained over 1,440 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) who are on the front lines of providing compassionate care and law enforcement services for victims during very difficult times. I hope to continue the progress and my bond with protecting Texas women and families as our next Governor.”

Davis, D-Fort Worth, isn’t in Austin for Biden’s visit, according to her campaign. Instead, she’s in Fort Worth and Houston. She is attending a Houston fundraiser that has been scheduled for a while and has some meetings, according to her campaign.